Record-breaking achievements
According to Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad, Black Myth: Wukong shattered records as the most popular single-player game by peak concurrent users (PCCU) in Steam history. It reached a staggering 2.3 million concurrent players, making it the second-biggest game of all time on Steam, just behind PUBG: Battlegrounds, which holds the top spot with a peak of 3.2 million players. On its first day alone, the game was the #1 most viewed on Chinese game live streaming platforms, further emphasizing its massive impact.
Impact on the gaming industry
This success signals a major milestone for Chinese game developers, who are now competing directly with established Western and Japanese studios in the premium AAA gaming space. Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong, has transitioned from mobile game development to creating a world-class AAA title, with backing from industry giants like Tencent and Hero Games. This shift represents a broader trend among Chinese developers, who are increasingly making their mark on the global gaming stage.
Boost in ps5 sales
The game’s release has also sparked a surge in demand for PS5 consoles in China, with sales doubling compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates the game’s influence not just on digital platforms but also on hardware sales, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Critical reception
Despite its commercial success, Black Myth: Wukong received mixed reviews. Eurogamer awarded the game three out of five stars, praising its dramatic boss fights but criticizing it for being a “frustratingly hollow and rudderless action game” beneath its stunning visuals.